Builders Are Not Engineers: NIOB Clarifies Professional Roles at UNILAG Induction Ceremony

The Nigerian Institute of Building has reiterated the clear professional distinction between builders and engineers, as the 3rd National Vice President of the Institute, Bldr. Dr. Adesina Aladeloba, addressed graduating students of the University of Lagos during the 5th Induction Ceremony into the Graduate Membership cadre of the Institute.

Dr. Aladeloba, who is also the Dean of the School of Environmental Studies at Yaba College of Technology, made the clarification while delivering a keynote address to 2024/2025 graduating students of the Department of Building, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos.

Speaking at the induction ceremony held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences Lecture Theatre, Dr. Aladeloba stressed that referring to builders as engineers is professionally incorrect. He explained that while architects and engineers are primarily involved in the design of structures, builders are responsible for the construction, production, and development of buildings and facilities.

In his address titled Destiny and Your Role, he emphasized the importance of professional identity and responsibility within the construction industry. He described builders as self-development professionals whose role extends beyond execution to effective management of building processes, safety, quality control, and value delivery to society.

Dr. Aladeloba advised the inductees to remain committed to the building profession, noting that destiny is measured over time and is shaped by discipline, mentorship, and personal responsibility rather than external influence. He encouraged the graduates to see life as a journey and a business that requires consistent effort, ethical conduct, and the willingness to mentor others for long-term impact.

He further cautioned against entitlement mentality, urging young professionals to seek guidance, embrace continuous learning, and understand that success in the built environment depends on accountability and action.

Following the address, Dr. Aladeloba administered the oath of membership to fifty-six graduating students of the Department of Building, formally inducting them as graduate members of the Nigerian Institute of Building on behalf of the National President of the Institute.

The ceremony also featured an induction lecture delivered by Bldr. Omolade Olugbade, Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Oyo State Chapter. His lecture focused on building a sustainable future through digital innovation in professional practice within the built environment.

Bldr. Olugbade highlighted the growing relevance of digital technologies in modern construction practice, including Building Information Modelling, Geographic Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence, robotics, blockchain technology, drone applications, and digital monitoring systems. He noted that sustainability in construction goes beyond the use of eco-friendly materials and includes waste reduction, cost efficiency, workplace safety, and long-term project value.

He encouraged the newly inducted graduates to commit to lifelong learning, master emerging digital tools alongside core construction principles, uphold professional ethics, and remain actively involved in recognized professional bodies to stay competitive in the evolving construction industry.

Earlier in the programme, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, charged the inductees to uphold the reputation of the institution and apply the rigorous training they have received to national development. The Head of the Department of Building expressed confidence in the contributions of graduates to Nigeria’s built environment and commended the Institute for strengthening professional engagement through early induction.

The event also featured goodwill messages from leaders of the Nigerian Institute of Building, student representatives, and award presentations to outstanding graduates and contributors to professional development within the department.

The Nigerian Institute of Building is the statutory professional body responsible for regulating the practice of building management, construction, and maintenance in Nigeria. The Institute plays a key role in promoting professionalism, ethical standards, and capacity development within the construction sector.